System and method for implementing do-not-disturb during playback of media content

ABSTRACT

The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made on whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on at least one of a plurality of devices associated with a user during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, wherein the user preferences specify a type of media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/163,234, filed Jun. 27, 2008, entitled: SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR INCREMENTAL DO-NOT DISTURB DURING PLAYBACK OF MEDIACONTENT the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The use of and development of communications has grown nearlyexponentially in recent years. The growth is fueled by larger networkswith more reliable protocols and better communications hardwareavailable to service providers and consumers. Users have similarly grownto expect better communications from home, work, and on the go. Forexample, users now expect added features that provide greaterfunctionality from traditional forms of communication and entertainment.The methods for implementing do-not-disturb (DND) features and leavingvoice messages are still quite limited to traditional methods,configurations, and setups.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer programproduct for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content.For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made on whether toimplement the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on at least one of aplurality of devices associated with a user during the playback of themedia content based on user preferences, wherein the user preferencesspecify a type of media content that triggers the do-not-disturbfeature. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented,notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playbackof the media content.

Another embodiment includes a system for automatically activating ado-not-disturb feature for media content. The system may include aset-top box operable to receive a selection of the media content from auser. The set-top box may be further operable to transmit a command toimplement the do-not-disturb feature during playback of the mediacontent. The system may further include a communications managementsystem in communication with the set-top box operable to route allincoming communications to a server for storage during playback of themedia content in response to receiving the command.

Yet another embodiment includes a set-top box for implementing ado-not-disturb feature during playback of media content. The set-top boxmay include a processor for executing a set of instructions and a memoryoperable to store the set of instructions. The set of instructions maybe configured to implement the do-not-disturb feature during playback ofthe media content in response to receiving a selection of media contentfrom a user, intercept an incoming communication and send the incomingcommunication directly to voice mail during the playback.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a user environment in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a set-top box in communication with acommunications network in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for activating a do-not-disturbfeature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process for a set-top box to activate ado-not-disturb feature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process for a set-top box to activate ado-not-disturb feature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;and

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a user interface for activatingand customizing a do-not-disturb setting in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a system andmethod for implementing a do-not-disturb feature while viewing mediacontent. The media content is audio or visual content that may bedisplayed, broadcast or otherwise presented to the user. The mediacontent may include live, streamed, real-time, recorded or other mediatypes such as VOD, pay-per-view, movies, concerts, sporting events,slide shows, television programs, or other media content, Thedo-not-disturb feature is a feature or service in which one or moredevices enter a do-not-disturb mode. The do-not-disturb mode is a state,status or configuration for one or more devices that preventsinterruption by silencing ringing, paging or intercoms to a levelestablished by the do-not-disturb feature or a user. In one example, thedo-not-disturb feature may place a number of handsets in ado-not-disturb mode so that the handsets do not ring, vibrate or flash,or may do so at a less intrusive level.

The do-not-disturb feature may be implemented automatically or asselected by a user. The do-not-disturb feature may be implemented by aset-top box, personal computing devices or communications managementsystem for one or more telephonic devices. The description, features,and services for each embodiment may also be applicable to all of theother embodiments. The embodiments may be implemented for telephonicdevices which include plain old telephone service (POTS) telephones,voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones, wireless devices, andother communications devices, protocols, and systems. The wirelessdevices may include a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant,communications enabled MP3 player, or other similar wireless devices.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The communication system 100of FIG. 1 includes various elements used for wireless and wiredcommunication. The communications system 100 includes a mobile switchingcenter (MSC) 102, a local exchange 104, voicemail systems 106 and 108, adatabase 110, wireless devices 112 and 114, a transmission tower 116, awired network 118, a home 120, home telephone 122, a set-top box 123, atelevision 124, and a client 126. The different elements and componentsof the communications system 100 may communicate using wirelesscommunications, such as satellite connections, WiFi, WiMAX, CDMAwireless networks, and/or hardwired connections, such as fiber optics,T1, cable, DSL, high speed trunks, and telephone lines.

The wireless devices 112 and 114 may communicate with the transmissiontower 116 using communications protocols, such as time division multipleaccess (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), global systems formobile (GSM) communications, personal communications systems (PCS),WiFi, WLAN, WiMAX, or other frequently used cellular and datacommunications protocols and standards. The wireless devices 112 and 114may include cellular phones, Blackberry® devices, personal digitalassistances (PDA), mp3 players, laptops, evolution data optimized (EDO)cards, multi-mode devices, and other wireless communication devices andelements.

Communications within the communications system 100 may occur on anynumber of networks which may include wireless networks, data or packetnetworks, cable networks, satellite networks, private networks, publiclyswitched telephone networks (PSTN), the wired network 118, or othertypes of communication networks. A communications network is theinfrastructure for sending and receiving signals and messages accordingto one or more designated formats, standards, and protocols. Thenetworks of the communications system 100 may represent a singlecommunication service provider or multiple communications servicesproviders. The features, services, and processes of the illustrativeembodiments may be implemented by one or more elements of thecommunications system 100 independently or as a networkedimplementation.

In one embodiment, the MSC 102, voicemail systems 106 and 108, andtransmission tower 116 are part of a wireless network that is operatedby a wireless service provider. For example, the control signals andoperational features may be performed by the MSC 102 and the wirelesssignals may be broadcast from the transmission tower 116 to the wirelessdevices 112 and 114. The wireless network may include any number ofsystems, towers, servers, and other network and communications devicesfor implementing the features and performing the methods hereindescribed. The wireless network may enable cellular, data, radio,television service, or other wireless schemes. For example, thetransmission tower 116 may transmit signals to cell phones, Blackberry®devices, car radios, and high definition televisions.

The MSC 102 may be a switch used for wireless call control andprocessing. The MSC 102 may also serve as a point of access to the localexchange 104. The MSC 102 is a telephone exchange that provides circuitswitched calling and mobility management and may also provide GSM or PCSservices to the wireless devices 112 and 114 located within the area theMSC 102 serves. The MSC 102 may include or communicate with a homelocation register (HLR) and visitor location register (VLR) that may beused to implement different features of the illustrative embodiments.The voicemail system 106 may be an integrated part of the MSC 102 oralternatively may be an externally connected device.

In one embodiment, the voicemail system 106 may include an integrateddatabase for storing customer and usage information, electronicprofiles, and data. In another embodiment, the voicemail system 106, aserver, or other intelligent network device may store user preferences,applications, features, messages, and implementation logic, as furtherdescribed herein. The user may communicate, interact, or send andreceive data, information, and commands to the voicemail system 106through the telephone 122, set-top box 123, television 124, wirelessdevice 112 and 114, or the client 126. The MSC 102 and voicemail system106 may include any number of hardware and software components. In oneembodiment, the MSC 102 is an advanced intelligence network device withsoftware modules equipped to perform a do-not-disturb feature.

The local exchange 104, the MSC 102, and/or other elements of thecommunications system 100 may communicate using a signal controlprotocol, such as a signaling system number 7 (SS7) protocol or TCP/IPprotocols. The SS7 protocol or similar protocols are used in publiclyswitched networks for establishing connections between switches,performing out-of-band signaling in support of the call-establishment,billing, routing, and implementing information-exchange functions of apublicly switched network or the wired network 118. The local exchange104 may be owned and operated by a local exchange carrier that providesplain old telephone service (POTS) to any number of users. In oneembodiment, the local exchange 104 may be a class 5 switch that is partof the network systems of the local carrier. The local exchange 104 mayinclude or may be connected to the voicemail system 106. However, thelocal exchange 104 may also be a Digital Subscriber Line AccessMultiplexer (DSLAM), Internet Protocol (IP) gateway, base station, orany other suitable network access point.

The local exchange 104 may be a wire-line switch or public exchangeusing time domain multiplexing to provide telecommunications services toa particular subscriber or group of subscribers. The local exchange 104may be located at a local telephone company's central office, or at abusiness location serving as a private branch exchange. The localexchange 104 may provide dial-tone, calling features, and additionaldigital and data services to subscribers, such as the home telephone122. The local exchange 104 may also enable VoIP communication of thehome telephone 122 through a data network. VoIP works by sending voiceinformation in digital form, such as packets, rather than using thetraditional circuit-committed protocols of the publicly switchednetwork. The local exchange 104 may be or include a feature server, acall control agent, an IP gateway, and other devices or applications forimplementing VoIP communications.

The communications system 100 may further include any number of hardwareand software elements that may not be shown in the example of FIG. 1.For example, in order to facilitate VoIP communications, thecommunications system 100, and the MSC 102 and local exchange 104, inparticular, may include additional application servers, media servers,service brokers, call agents, edge routers, gateways (signaling,trunking, access, sub, etc.), IP network service providers, adapters,exchanges, switches, users, and networks. The voicemail system 108 issimilar to the voicemail system 106 except that it is equipped to handlevoicemail for landline customers rather than wireless customers. Thelocal exchange 104 or other components of a wire line network, such as adata, PSTN, VoIP, or other wired network may implement the features andperform the DND feature during playback of media content on the set-topbox 123, television 124 or client 126, as herein described.

The MSC 102 and the local exchange 104 may include an authenticationspace. The authentication space may be a partition, module, or otherstorage or memory of the server designated by the communications serviceprovider. The authentication space may validate that a user or device,such as client 126, is allowed to authorize the MSC 102, local exchange104, servers, switches, network devices, or corresponding voicemailsystems 106 and 108 to set preferences, implement changes, reviewinformation, or perform other updates. For example, a user may first berequired to provide a secure identifier, such as a user name, password,or other authentication code or hardware interface, to verify the useris authorized to make changes to a media playback DND feature within theauthentication space.

The authentication information may also be used to create a secureconnection between the client 126 and the MSC 102, a server, or thelocal exchange 104. The secure connection may be a virtual privatenetwork tunnel, an encrypted connection, firewall, or other form ofsecured communications link. The MSC 102 and local exchange 104 may useany number of gateways, proxies, applications, or interfaces forallowing the client 126 to communicate with the MSC 102 and localexchange 104 through the wired network 118. Alternatively, the client126 may use a wireless network or other network to access the MSC 102and local exchange 104. The MSC 102 and local exchange 104 may use ahost client application for communicating with numerous clients.

The home 120 is an example of a dwelling, residence, or location of aperson or group that may utilize any number of communications services.The home 120 is shown as a residence in the illustrated example,however, the home 120 may also be an office, business, or otherstructure wired or otherwise suitably equipped to provide telephone,data, and other communication services to one or more customers. In oneembodiment, the home 120 is equipped with multiple communicationdevices, including home telephone 122 and client 126. The home telephone122 may be standard devices that provide dialing and voice conversationcapabilities. Home telephone 122 may be integrated in any number ofother devices or may be used in different forms. For example, the hometelephone 122 may be part of a refrigerator or intercom system. Inanother embodiment, the home telephone 122 may be integrated with apersonal computer, such as client 126.

The communications services accessible from the home telephone 122 mayinclude POTS or VoIP telephone service. The home telephone 122 may beVoIP telephones or may be standard telephones that include a modemand/or VoIP adapters for enabling VoIP communications. A special dialtone, message, web alert, or other feedback may specify once orrepeatedly that the home telephone 122 is implementing a particularfeature. For example, the home telephone 122 may sound a double chirpwhen implementing the DND feature for incoming calls. The user maycancel use of any features by reentering a feature command or acancellation command.

The client 126 may be a personal computer for performing and executingprograms and instructing and accessing the wired network 118. However,the client 126 may be any computing device suitable for communicatingwith the wired network 118 through a network connection. The wirednetwork 118 may be a fiber optic, cable, or telephone network or otherwired network suitable for communication over a hard wired connectionwith the client 126. In one embodiment, the home 120 may include awireless router, adapter, switch, hub, or other suitable interface thatallows the client 126 to communicate with the wired network 118.Alternatively, the client 126 may communicate with the wired network 118through a wireless connection. The set-top box 123 and the television124 may also communicate through the wired network 118.

The set-top box 123 is a device that configures media content fordisplay by the television 124. In one embodiment, the set-top box 123may function as a receiver, a digital video recorder, and a personalvideo recorder for displaying any number of audio, video, or staticmedia content through speakers, the television 124 or otherinterconnected devices. For example, the set-top box may process mediasignals from a satellite provider, cable provider, DSL connection,Internet Protocol television (IPTV) connection, or other connectiontypes and/or providers. The display is a device for visually displayingand presenting media content. The display may include various forms oftelevisions, laptops, desktops, projectors, monitors, or other similardevices herein referred to as the television 124 for description of anembodiment.

In one embodiment, the do-not-disturb (“DND”) feature may be activatedfor the telephonic devices of the home 120 based on a selectionperformed through the set-top box 123, the television 124, or a remotecontrol in communication with the client 126, set-top box 123,television 124, and home telephone 122. The set-top box 123, MSC 102,and local exchange 104 may use a graphical user interface (GUI), such aswebsite or program accessible from the client 126 in order to enter andreceive input preferences for activating the DND feature.

In an illustrative embodiment, the user may provide user inputregulating DND features, or otherwise make selections and communicatecommands using devices, such as or similar to, wireless devices 112 and114, home telephone 122, and client 126. At any time, a user may selectto enable, order, initiate, configure, reconfigure, or otherwiseactivate the DND feature.

For example, the user may use a command that informs a function triggerof the set-top box to enable the DND feature through the MSC 102, localexchange 104, voicemail systems 106 and 108, wireless devices 112 and114, home telephone 122, or client 126. In one embodiment, the DNDfeature may be activated based on a user viewing or selecting to viewspecified media content. For example, any time the user purchases andviews video-on-demand (VOD), user preferences may specify that the DNDfeature be incrementally activated in time periods or segments duringthe time the VOD is being played to the user. For example, the VOD maybe of a live even of indeterminate or adjustable length that may adjustthe length of time the DND feature is active.

In another example, the user may submit a command to activate the DNDfeature by dialing *2 on the home telephone 122 and then entering a passcode, account code, password, pin number, or other identifier. Inanother embodiment, a user may activate the feature by dialing *79 on aseparate wireless device. The command may also be a password, voiceactivated, time activated, preset by user selection, or any othersuitable option, setting, command, or user input. In another embodiment,the various features may be implemented using tactile commands.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a user environment in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2 is one embodiment of a userenvironment 200. The user environment 200 of FIG. 2 may include aset-top box 202, a television 204, home telephones 206 and 208, apersonal computer 210, and a communications network which may include acommunications management system 214. The user environment 200 may be ahome or business equipped with multiple personal computers, laptops, ortablet personal computers, and wireless and telephonic devices that mayindividually or collectively implement DND features, applications, andprocesses. The user environment 200 is a particular implementation ofthe home 120 of FIG. 1.

The set-top box 202 is a device that enables the television 204 tobecome a user interface for media content. For example, the set-top box202 may process digital or analog media content for display by thetelevision 204, display Internet content, and record the media contentfor subsequent display by the television 204. In one embodiment, theset-top box 202 may provide a user interface to enable the DND throughthe television 204 as shown in FIG. 7. The set-top box 202 maycommunicate with a communications network 212 to enable the DND feature.In another embodiment, the set-top box 202 may enable the DND itself orthrough the use of the home computer 210 or a router. For example, theset-top box 202 or client 210 may manage or control a home or businessnetwork that may control a DND feature for interconnected devices.

The set-top box 202 communicates a signal to a display. The display isany electronic device configured to visually display information, data,and media content, such as a computer monitor, laptop, personalcomputer, wireless device, or television. In one embodiment, the displayis the television 204 that is equipped to receive signals through anynumber of suitable mediums, including cable, satellite, IPTV, anantenna, or an analog connection. The television 204 and the set-top box202 may communicate to create an interactive user interface as shown inFIG. 7.

In one embodiment, the user environment 200 is equipped with multipletelephonic devices, including home telephones 206 and 208. The hometelephones 206 and 208 may be standard devices that provide dial tone,dialing, and voice conversation capabilities. Home telephone 206 may beintegrated in any number of other devices or may be used in differentforms. For example, the home telephone 208 may include an integratedanswering machine. In another embodiment, the home telephone 206 may beintegrated with a personal computer.

Any number of wireless devices may also operate within the userenvironment 200. For example, a cell phone may communicate with theset-top box 202 through a Bluetooth or WiFi connection. For example, theDND feature may be activated for one or more wireless devices that aredetected or within a specified proximity to the set-top box 202. A usermay configure which wireless devices within their home receive the DNDfeature. For example, the user preferences entered through the set-topbox 202 may specify that the home telephones 206 and 208, as well as anywireless devices registered with the set-top box, enter a DND modeduring display of a movie on the television 204. The wireless device ofone or more residents of a home may be configured to enter a DND mode,as well as one or more of the home telephones 206 and 208, in responseto the DND mode being activated for a specified time period. Thewireless devices that enter the DND mode may be detected to be withinthe user environment 200 based on a network connection, radio frequencyidentification tag, global positioning system, or other locationinformation.

The communication services accessible from the home telephones 206 and208 may include POTS, WiFi, VoIP telephone service, or other types oftelephone service. The home telephones 206 and 208 may be VoIPtelephones or may be standard telephones that include a modem and/orVoIP adapters for enabling VoIP communications. The home telephones 206and 208 may also be DECT (digitally enhanced cordless telephones), orWiFi enabled telephones.

The home telephones 206 and 208 may receive an instruction to enter theDND mode through a connection to the set-top box 202. The hometelephones 206 and 208 may be linked to the set-top box through anynumber of suitable connections as described herein. In one embodiment,the set-top box 202 may send a packet, signal, command, or message tothe other devices in the communications environment 200 to enter a DNDmode for a specified period of time. In another embodiment, the personalcomputer 210 may include a program configured for controlling DNDfeatures and operations for all computing and communication devices inthe user environment 200.

The communications network 212 may be comprised of equipment suitablefor directing communications to a specified location or device. Thecommunications network 212 may provide a wired or wireless connection tothe various devices and elements of the communications environment 200.

The communications network 212 may include a communications managementsystem 214. The communications management system 214 is one or moredevices utilized to enable, initiate, route, and manage communicationsbetween one or more telephonic devices. The communications managementsystem 214 may include one or more devices networked to manage thecommunications network 214. For example, the communications managementsystem may include any number of servers, routers, switches, or advancedintelligent network devices that may implement the DND feature based ona signal, command, or message from the set-top box 202 or other devicefrom the user environment 200. The communications network 212 sends andreceives the electronic signals through any number of transmissionmediums. The communications network 212 may include various fiberoptics, cables, transmission towers, antennas, or other elements fortransmitting voice communications to the connected telephonic devices.In one embodiment, the communications management system 214 and thecommunications network 212 work to transmit voice communications to theVoIP phones. However, the communications system 214 may enable POTS,wireless service, or other forms of voice communications.

In one embodiment, the DND feature may be activated to temporarily blockincoming calls, emails, texts, chats, video messages, or any other formof incoming communication to devices or users in the user environment200 based on established preferences. All blocked communications may bestored and delivered to the user when the specified DND period ends. TheDND feature may be implemented by the set-top box 202, client 210, orthe communications management system 214 automatically based on playbackof media content or based on user input from any of the devices in thecommunications environment, a remote control, cell phone, or otherelectronic devices suitable to transmit a command.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a set-top box in communication with acommunications network in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The set-top box 300 may include a processor 302, memory 304,receiver/(digital video recorder) DVR hardware and software 306, a userinterface 308, DND logic 310, and a transceiver 312 to communicate witha communications network 314. The elements of the set-top box 300 maycommunicate through any number of busses, cards, connectors, jumpers, orother connection elements. The components and description for theset-top box 300 may be similarly applicable to a client device,television, or network device operated by a communications serviceprovider.

The processor 302 is circuitry or logic enabled to control execution ofa set of instructions. The processor 302 may be a microprocessor,digital signal processor, central processing unit, or other devicesuitable for controlling an electronic device including one or morehardware and software elements, executing software, instructions,programs and applications, converting and processing signals andinformation, and performing other related tasks. The processor 302 maybe a single chip or integrated with other computing or communicationselements.

The memory 304 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data for subsequent retrieval or access at a latertime. The memory 304 may be static or dynamic memory. The memory 304 mayinclude a hard disk, random access memory, cache, removable media drive,mass storage, or configuration suitable as storage for data,instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the memory 304 andprocessor 302 may be integrated. The memory may use any type of volatileor non-volatile storage techniques and mediums. The memory 304 may storeor queue communications or messages that are received during the periodthe DND feature is activated. For example, the memory 304 may storevoice messages, email, and chat messages that are released for receiptand display through the interconnected television or other user deviceswhen the DND feature is deactivated based on an event or at the end of atime period.

The receiver/DVR hardware and software 306 are the standard elements ofthe set-top box that manage the storage and playback of media content.The receiver/DVR hardware and software 306 may be configured through theuser interface 308. The set-top box 300 may also include the userinterface 308. The user interface 308 is an interactive menu forreceiving user input. In one embodiment, the user interface 308 may bedisplayed onto a television or other display to allow a user to initiatethe DND feature and configure user preferences for the DND feature. Inanother embodiment, the user interface 308 may control an interactivevoice response system for presenting the user with various options andreceiving user input.

The user interface may include DND logic 310. The DND logic 310 is thehardware and software that implements the DND feature for one or moretelephonic devices. In particular, the DND logic may be configured todetermine when media content is being played and when the DND feature isto be activated by the set-top box 300 or other devices in communicationwith the set-top box through the transceiver 312. For example, a usermay record a sporting event and specify that the DND is automaticallyactivated whenever the sporting event is displayed on the television. Inone embodiment, the DND logic 310 prevents communications incoming intoa home network from reaching specified devices by temporarily queuing orstoring the messages. The incoming communications may be routed orrerouted through the set-top box before the communications may beprocessed or received by individual communications devices For example,the DND logic 310 may prevent one or more home telephones from ringingwhen the user is watching a specified religious program.

In another embodiment, the DND logic 310 may send DND commands,messages, or signals to the devices informing the devices to initiateand end the DND feature. The messages may be sent to individual devicesor to a communications management system that manages communications forone or more of the user's devices. For example, a server that enablesVoIP communications may prevent calls from being received by the hometelephones until a command is received that the media playback has endedor been suspended. In one embodiment, the communications devices mayenter a DND state until the end of a transmitted time period or until asecondary command is sent by the set-top box.

The set-top box 300 may include the transceiver 312. The transceiver isthe device that enables the set-top box to transmit and receivecommands, signals, information, messages, and other data through a wiredor wireless connection. The transceiver 312 may utilize IP, SS7,Bluetooth, WiFi, or other signals, protocols, formats, or message typesto communicate with other devices.

The communications network 314 may enable the set-top box 300 to receivemedia content and communicate with other devices to activate the DNDfeature. The media content received by the set-top box 300 may includetelevision programs, VOD, real-time events, video clips, photographs,web pages, interactive content, or other media content. For example, aVLR and VoIP feature server that are part of the communications network314 may activate a DND feature for a wireless device and VoIP phoneduring a political program that the user has designated for DND status.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for activating an do-not-disturbfeature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process ofFIG. 4 may be implemented by a set-top box. In another embodiment, theprocess of FIG. 4 may be implemented by a communications managementsystem operated by a communications service provider.

The process may begin by receiving a movie or video on demand selection(step 402). In another embodiment, the movie selection may also be theselection of a television show or other media content received throughthe set-top box or stored locally.

Next, the set-top box determines whether to enter DND mode (step 404).The determination of step 404 may be made based on user preferences andsettings. For example, the user may have specified that VOD andreal-time events automatically trigger the DND feature while the contentis being displayed, but movies stored locally on the set-top box do nottrigger the DND feature. In another embodiment, the set-top box mayprompt a user to select whether to enter a DND mode during selection ofthe movie, VOD, or other media content. The set-top box may present amenu with numerous selections and choices for operating the DND feature.In another embodiment, the DND feature may be activated any time theuser begins watching media content on a television, monitor, laptop, orother display to provide personal time for the user to relax.

If the set-top box determines not to enter the DND mode, the set-top boxdisplays the media content and processes incoming communicationsnormally (step 406). The incoming communications may include voicecalls, as well as alternative formats, that may interrupt playback ofthe media content including email, chat, and text messages. Step 406ensures that the user receives all incoming communications while viewingthe applicable media content.

If the set-top box determines to enter the DND mode in step 404, theset-top box activates the DND feature for the duration of the movie,VOD, or for a customized time period (step 408). The set-top box maysend a command, trigger, alert, or message to one or more other devicesto implement the DND feature. In one embodiment, the message may be sentto a communications management system of a communications serviceprovider that provides services to the user. As a result, all incomingcommunications or those communications specified by the user preferencesare temporarily stored, queued, recorded, or otherwise temporarilysuspended. In another embodiment, the set-top box may send a commandsignal to one or more VoIP phones, personal computer, wireless device,or other communication or computing device to suspend incomingcommunications from disturbing the user. For example, specifiedtelephonic devices may be configured to not ring when incoming calls arereceived during the time period the DND feature is activated. In anotherembodiment, the set-top box may display a small pop-up message on thetelevision indicating the type of call that is or was missed.

The time period of the DND may be based on the length of the mediacontent to be played. The time period may also be fluid based on theamount of time it takes for the user to view the content. For example,the DND feature may be enabled until the set-top box, television,client, or applicable display becomes inactive, is turned off, or themedia content is completely stopped. In another embodiment, the user mayspecify the time period. The time period may be specified utilizing amenu and may be increased or decreased by the user at any time.

Next, the set-top box determines a call is being received (step 410). Inone embodiment, the communications and computing devices may share anetwork connection, and as a result, the set-top box may easilydetermine when a call is being received. In another embodiment, theapplicable phone may send the set-top box an indicator that a call isbeing received.

Next, the set-top box sends the call directly to voicemail (step 412).During step 412, the set-top box may send or coordinate sending the callto voicemail or an answering machine or just prevent handsets fromringing. For example, the set-top box may change the destination ofincoming packets associated with a call or reroute an incoming callstream.

The set-top box deactivates the DND feature at the end of the timeperiod (step 414). The set-top box may implement deactivation of the DNDfeature or may send a command, signal, or information to another deviceto deactivate the DND feature or mode for affected devices. Messagesreceived during the DND time period would be delivered to the user andprocessing calls and other incoming communications would return tonormal. The set-top box may also be configured to display communicationsthat were missed during the playback of the media content. As previouslydescribed, the time period may be automatically extracted from the mediacontent, specified by a user, or determined from the user's actions. Forexample, if the user prematurely ends or pauses the media content, theset-top box may deactivate the DND feature. The user preferences mayspecify whether the DND feature ends if the user pauses playback, stopsplayback altogether, or takes other specified actions.

The default setting may be that the DND feature is active during theentire duration of the movie. The user may also lengthen or shorten thistime period to suit their schedule. For example, a user may be expectinga business call before the movie will end so the time period is set toend a half an hour before the movie ends.

In one embodiment, the voicemail or answering machine may be configuredto play a special message only used when the DND feature is active. Forexample, a user may configure an answering machine to inform callerswhen the user will be available to take their call.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process for a set-top box to activate ado-not-disturb feature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The process of FIG. 5 may be implemented by a set-top box 502, a router504, and communications devices 506. The process may begin with theset-top box 502 receiving user input for a DND time period and frequency(step 508). During step 508 the user may specify information forimplementing the DND for media content as well as user preferences forthe DND feature. The time period indicates the time period during whichthe DND feature remains active. The user input may also specify aninterval, program, or frequency for which the DND feature is activated.For example, the set-top box 502 may automatically record a weeklyprogram about painting. Anytime the painting program is selected forplayback, the DND feature may be activated.

Next, the set-top box 502 communicates the DND information to a router504 (step 510). The DND information may include the user input andpreferences received in step 508. The DND information may specify thetime period including a start time and a stop time for starting andstopping the DND feature.

The router 504 communicates the DND information to all connectedcommunications devices 506 (step 512). The information may send acommand or trigger to each of the communications devices 506 to enter aDND mode.

The communications devices 506 prevent incoming communications fromdisturbing a user (step 514). The communications devices 506 may gooff-hook, queue messages, or route all incoming calls to voicemailduring the time the DND feature is activated. The incomingcommunications may all be routed or stored in a single device orlocally. Similarly, the DND feature may be implemented for eachindividual device or as a network through a single point of entry to acommunications system or network. The communications devices 506 mayturn off or deactivate all alert systems, ringers, or other interfacesso that the user is not disturbed while the media content is beingplayed or displayed to the user.

Next, the communications devices 506 deliver stored communications whenthe time period ends (step 516). The stored communications may bedisplayed to a television by the set-top box 502 or each individualdevice may deliver the communications, such as a voicemail alert beingdisplayed on a VoIP phone and email messages being delivered to a clientdevice.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process for a set-top box to activate ado-not-disturb feature in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The process of FIG. 6 may be implemented by a set-top box 602 and acommunications management system 604. The process may begin with theset-top box 602 receiving user input for a DND time period and frequency(step 606). The user input and preferences received in step 602 mayinclude the parameters and settings for implementing the DND feature inthe form of DND information. The set-top box 602 communicates the DNDinformation to a communications management system 604 (step 608). TheDND information may include a command, time period, and otherinformation for implementing the DND feature.

Next, the communications management system 604 blocks and recordsincoming communications (step 610). The incoming communications areblocked from reaching the user's communications devices in order toprovide the user time to view the media content. One or more servers,routers, switches, or other devices of the communications managementsystem 604 may implement step 610 and 612.

The communications management system 608 delivers recorded messages andcommunications when the time period ends (step 612). The messages andcommunications may be released based on the DND information. In anotherembodiment, user input may be provided at any time to end the timeperiod and deliver any delayed or stored messages. The communicationsmanagement system 604 may route the messages and communications to eachindividual device that was to receive them or to the set-top box toallow a user to access all messages conveniently.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a user interface for activatingand customizing a do-not-disturb setting in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a userinterface 700 that may include a media content menu 702, a DND menu 703,a media selection 704, and selection elements 706, 708, 712, 714, 716,and 718. In another embodiment, the user interface 700 may be played toa user utilizing an interactive voice response system. The userinterface 700 may be generated and displayed by any number of devicesincluding a set-top box, television, computer monitor, laptop, personalcomputer, wireless device, or VoIP phone. The user interface 700 mayreceive user input and user preferences for implementing the DND featurefor a single event or for a series of events.

The media content menu 702 is a menu that presents various media optionsto the user. The media selection 704 may display what movies, televisionprograms, VOD, pay-per-view event, or other media content has beenordered or selected for viewing. A user may then activate the DNDfeature through the selection element 706. In one embodiment, the usermay use the selection element 706 to link the movie display with the DNDfeature. As a result, if that content is played, the DND feature may beautomatically activated. Similarly, the user may choose not to activatethe DND feature using the selection element 706 so that calls areprocessed normally.

The selection elements 706, 708, 712, 714, 716, and 718 may be icons,drop down menus, indicators, graphical identifiers, or other interactiveor visual elements. The user may select or customize the DND time periodby using selection element 708. The default setting may be configured sothat the DND feature is active for the entire duration of the movie orprogram, but a user may lengthen or shorten the time period. Forexample, a user may order a sporting event through a VOD provider andspecify the DND feature to be active for the duration of the event untilthe last ten minutes when they want to discuss the finish with a friend.The DND feature may be automatically put on standby if a user chooses topause the playback of their media content and automatically be enabledonce playback continues.

The DND menu 703 may include any number of other selection elements. Theselection element 712 may allow a user to select a channel from channelsavailable to the user through the applicable communications serviceprovider. The user may choose to activate the DND feature when theselected channel or channels are being watched with selection element714. The user may enter a time period for the DND feature to be activethrough selection element 716. The selection element 718 may allow auser to configure the frequency of the customized DND feature, such asdaily, on weekends or weekdays, Wednesday only, or another customfrequency. For example, a family may watch a TV show together everyThursday night and the user may want to specify that every Thursday theDND feature is active when the family watches their show. The user mayalso use selection element 714 to select all channels or any time theviewer is watching media content so no matter what channel is viewed thefamily is not disturbed during the selected time interval. The user mayalso specify that the DND feature is only active when certain shows arebeing watched. In another embodiment, the user may not select anyspecified channel to associate the DND feature with only a time periodand frequency.

In another embodiment, the user interface may include an option to allowcertain phone numbers or communications from a specified individual tobe received even when the DND feature is activated. For example, eventhough a user may activate the DND feature, the user may elect toreceive communication from immediate family members selected from anetwork address book if received during the time period the DND featureis activated. In another embodiment, the user may specify a pass code,password, pin code, or other identifier that overrides the DND to allowa communication to be received by the applicable user device.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for implementing a do-not-disturbfeature during playback of media content, the method comprising:determining whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature on at leastone of a plurality of devices associated with a user during the playbackof the media content based on user preferences, wherein the userpreferences specify a type of media content that triggers thedo-not-disturb feature; receiving an incoming communication; andsuspending notification of the incoming communication during playback ofthe media content in response to the do-not-disturb feature beingimplemented.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:prompting a user to select whether to implement do-not-disturb during aselection of the media content.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein the user preferences indicate whether to implement thedo-not-disturb based on a classification of the media content.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising: displaying a messageduring the playback indicating information regarding the incomingcommunication in response to the user preferences allowing the messageduring the playback.
 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein theclassification of the media content is a video on demand media content,and wherein the do-not-disturb feature is implemented in response to themedia content being a video on demand media content.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: receiving user inputspecifying a duration of the playback for implementing thedo-not-disturb during the duration, and wherein the do-not-disturb isautomatically terminated when the playback ends, is stopped, or ispaused.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein implementing furthercomprises: sending a signal to a communications management system toautomatically send the incoming communication to voicemail and preventthe incoming communication from being routed to an electronic device. 8.The method according to claim 1, wherein the incoming communications areany of a call, an email message, a text message, a chat message, and avideo message.
 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein theclassification of the media content is a locally stored media content,and wherein the do-not-disturb feature is not implemented in response tothe media content being a locally stored media content.
 10. A system,comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled tothe at least one processor and storing computer executable instructionsfor implementing a do-not-disturb feature during playback of mediacontent, the computer executable instructions comprises instructionsfor: determining whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature on atleast one of a plurality of devices associated with a user during theplayback of the media content based on user preferences, wherein theuser preferences specify a type of media content that triggers thedo-not-disturb feature; receiving an incoming communication; andsuspending notification of the incoming communication during playback ofthe media content in response to the do-not-disturb feature beingimplemented.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the computerexecutable instructions further comprises instructions for prompting auser to select whether to implement do-not-disturb during a selection ofthe media content.
 12. The system according to claim 10, wherein theuser preferences indicate whether to implement the do-not-disturb basedon a classification of the media content.
 13. The system according toclaim 12, wherein the classification of the media content is a video ondemand media content, and wherein the do-not-disturb feature isimplemented in response to the media content being a video on demandmedia content.
 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein theclassification of the media content is a locally stored media content,and wherein the do-not-disturb feature is not implemented in response tothe media content being a locally stored media content.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the computer executable instructionsfurther comprises instructions for receiving user input specifying aduration of the playback for implementing the do-not-disturb during theduration, and wherein the do-not-disturb is automatically terminatedwhen the playback ends, is stopped, or is paused.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein implementing further comprises sending asignal to a communications management system to automatically send theincoming communication to voicemail and prevent the incomingcommunication from being routed to the at least one of the plurality ofdevices.
 17. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprisingcomputer executable instructions for implementing a do-not-disturbfeature during playback of media content, the computer executableinstructions when executed causes one or more machines to performoperations comprising: determining whether to implement thedo-not-disturb feature on at least one of a plurality of devicesassociated with a user during the playback of the media content based onuser preferences, wherein the user preferences specify a type of mediacontent that triggers the do-not-disturb feature; receiving an incomingcommunication; and suspending notification of the incoming communicationduring playback of the media content in response to the do-not-disturbfeature being implemented.
 18. The non-transitory computer readablemedium according to claim 17, wherein the user preferences indicatewhether to implement the do-not-disturb based on a classification of themedia content.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium accordingto claim 18, wherein the classification of the media content is a videoon demand media content, and wherein the do-not-disturb feature isimplemented in response to the media content being a video on demandmedia content.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium accordingto claim 18, wherein the classification of the media content is alocally stored media content, and wherein the do-not-disturb feature isnot implemented in response to the media content being a locally storedmedia content.